A technology plan must support the provision of staff learning opportunities throughout the year. Each of the following instructional technology objectives could be associated with specific objectives for the teaching staff
1. To extend and expand the learning materials beyond those resources available within the classroom. Teachers need to have a basic competence of computer operations and know how to research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information resources to be used by students. They need to know how and where to find subject matter which enhances the curriculum. A survey of teachercompetency could assist in planning of workshops. . 2. To provide a constructivist learning environment that engages students in substantive, real-world problems. Research has shown that learning is a dynamic process constructed by the learner who brings prior knowledge skills, and understanding in formulating new meaning to her results in active learning. Active learning takes place in a constructivist classroom where knowledge is not passively received, but actively constructed by learners. Technology is an ideal catalyst to make this happen because it engages the student in the learning process. The constructivist model of teaching will require changes in classroom dynamics, and teachers will need guidance in making this happen.
3. To provide a learning environment that supports the strengths and needs of diverse individuals. Teachers should be given assistance in developing programmes that allow for differential achievement of outcomes. Whilst acknowledging that individual programmes are not warranted or desirable it is essential that a variety of learning styles are accessible so that student engagement is maximised. Professional learning experiences should focus on providing guidance for facilitating differentiation.
4. To prepare students for a modern world of employment or higher education In order to expose students to the technology tools that they will need in their adult lives, teachers must be proficient users themselves. Any training programs should focus on use of appropriate standard software applications and tools to perform common real-world tasks.
5. To offer students learning opportunities independent of time and location. In order to guide students, educators need to identify specific technology applications and resources that maximize student learning, address learner needs, and affirm diversity, teachers need to become adept at creating units of study which involve independent student research from home as well as in the classroom.
6. To support online collaboration among the**global community**of peers and experts. In order to teach students how to collaborate, it is beneficial for teachers to engage in collaborative activities with their peers. Online internet projects foster collaboration among educators. Technology workshops can help teachers find appropriate projects and guide teachers to become collaborative project coordinators.
7. To enable parents to become active participants in their child's education. In order to communicate electronically with parents, it is essential that staff members are familiar and comfortable working with the tools that enable this to happen. It is also essential that teachers use authentic forms of assessment and are able to report on student progress towards published outcomes.
A technology plan must support the provision of staff learning opportunities throughout the year.
Each of the following instructional technology objectives could be associated with specific objectives for the teaching staff
1. To extend and expand the learning materials beyond those resources available within the classroom.
Teachers need to have a basic competence of computer operations and know how to research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information resources to be used by students. They need to know how and where to find subject matter which enhances the curriculum. A survey of teacher competency could assist in planning of workshops.
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2. To provide a constructivist learning environment that engages students in substantive, real-world problems.
Research has shown that learning is a dynamic process constructed by the learner who brings prior knowledge skills, and understanding in formulating new meaning to her results in active learning. Active learning takes place in a constructivist classroom where knowledge is not passively received, but actively constructed by learners. Technology is an ideal catalyst to make this happen because it engages the student in the learning process. The constructivist model of teaching will require changes in classroom dynamics, and teachers will need guidance in making this happen.
3. To provide a learning environment that supports the strengths and needs of diverse individuals.
Teachers should be given assistance in developing programmes that allow for differential achievement of outcomes. Whilst acknowledging that individual programmes are not warranted or desirable it is essential that a variety of learning styles are accessible so that student engagement is maximised. Professional learning experiences should focus on providing guidance for facilitating differentiation.
4. To prepare students for a modern world of employment or higher education
In order to expose students to the technology tools that they will need in their adult lives, teachers must be proficient users themselves. Any training programs should focus on use of appropriate standard software applications and tools to perform common real-world tasks.
5. To offer students learning opportunities independent of time and location.
In order to guide students, educators need to identify specific technology applications and resources that maximize student learning, address learner needs, and affirm diversity, teachers need to become adept at creating units of study which involve independent student research from home as well as in the classroom.
6. To support online collaboration among the **global community** of peers and experts.
In order to teach students how to collaborate, it is beneficial for teachers to engage in collaborative activities with their peers. Online internet projects foster collaboration among educators. Technology workshops can
help teachers find appropriate projects and guide teachers to become collaborative project coordinators.
7. To enable parents to become active participants in their child's education.
In order to communicate electronically with parents, it is essential that staff members are familiar and comfortable working with the tools that enable this to happen. It is also essential that teachers use authentic forms of assessment and are able to report on student progress towards published outcomes.
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